Forging Positions and Setup

This is how I forge (when I have time to forge!).
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Andy
 
Just my 2.5 cents. I forge standing. It is a bit hard on my back after 3-4 hours of work. But when I start to forge the ingot it takes a heavy sledge with pretty long handle. And I really have to swing it. This is the only way to go untill the ingot with approximate dimensions 3"(diameter) X 2" hight is reduced to the square bar of about 3/4". After that it is POSSIBLE to forge it with the regular 3-4lb hammer. So sitting is not an option for me.
 
When considering the Eastern cultures, and the fact that they forge while sitting down, we should also consider that many of their traditions are performed close to the ground. We eat at tables and chairs. They, traditionally eat while in a sitting or kneeling position. I don't know if it was their lack of good wood for tables and furniture that caused them to eat on the ground, but I imagine the natural progression of things led them to forge and do most of their work on the ground as well.
 
Hmmm.... I have very little interest in forging sitting down. I'm with Ray---- on the occasion you drop something, and you always will--- I wouldn't want to be sitting by the anvil. I don't care for the body mechanics of it either.

Not to be racist, but you need to keep in mind that many of the people from those cultures are half our size.... so they're closer to the ground to begin with. I know that probably sounds like I'm trying to be funny, but I'm being serious.

I actually have most of my tools higher than most people, as I like to be as close to standing UPRIGHT as I can. My press is mounted really high, so is my forge, anvil, grinders....
 
Nick, I know you are being sincere and all.... but man.... that whole size thing just doesn'rt make sense, bro. Small stature= lower to the ground= easier to sit/crouch? :D It is no harder to move seated as it is standing. Unless you are so far removed from it that you forget how to kneel/crouch/squat properly... I know I am out of practice. Perhaps you are thinking that we mean sitting cross-legged?

I had an appointment with my chiropractor this morning and mentioned it. He shot me a look and said if everybody threw their chairs out and did things squating or sitting on the ground, slightly elevated to keep a knee above our waists for extended periods, he would be out of a job. He encouraged me to go with the idea of a lowered relaxed posture and said I should be squating for atleast an hour a day.


Interesting posture links...

http://www.zafu.net/whatswrong.html
http://www.naturesplatform.com/health_benefits.html
http://www.squidoo.com/freechair1
 
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Here I was all ready to set my anvil on the floor, then along comes the Dreamy One to bring me back to reality. :D

I now realize this is all an attempt by a DRUMMER to subvert us into sitting.... See attached evidence.....

rick.jpg
 
NickWheeler said:
I actually have most of my tools higher than most people, as I like to be as close to standing UPRIGHT as I can.
Click to expand...

Me too, both my benches are about 40" tall. Mind you, I'm between 6'2" and 6'6" depending on which convenience store I'm leaving.

I hate leaning over to work; doing dishes and other kitchen tasks sucks and leaves me aching within minutes simply because everything's too dang low. One day I'll replace all the sinks and countertops in my house with taller ones and everyone else can just get a step-stool if they don't like it.

I see an awful lot of guys, especially forgers, half-bent over while they're working, and I can only imagine what that's doing to their lower backs. I would think that has more to do with being half-crippled by age forty, than standing vs. sitting.

I do have a bar-stool in the shop and use it often. But I still try to keep my back reasonably straight. If I were to squat and lean over my work like some of the pictures I'm seeing, I'd probably never get back up again! :eek:
 
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i'm with him, can't stand being half bent over and i'm short, might try sitting though, nice thread, learned alot as always..
 
The size hammer you forge with is all proportionate to what you can handle comfortably and swing accurately too..For some its a 2 pound, others a 4 pound..Same with work benches, grinder height etc..
 
Rick, are you absolutely sure you are a Smith ... and not a scientist?

Nothing negative meant; it's just that you seem to approach your craft like a scientist would. I'd like to hope that's a good thing.:)
 
Nick, I am not meaning to start an argument, but the argument is totally wrong from both the statement and the physics:
You are not the first to state that orientals are half our size - which would make them about 2'10" tall. This is usually said by people who have never met or studied the Asian cultures. The average size modern Asian is only one or two inches shorter than the average Westerner. In ages past, the size was the same or larger for Asians compared to Caucasians. There are also several Asians groups who are typically 6ft and taller.
 
I'd just like to point out that I'm half Japanese and am 6'1.... I have cousins almost the same size 5'10-6'.
 
Its all relative, 6'-180 pounds is considered less than average inside my family circle(the men). Most are 6'-2" plus and 220# plus..My wifes family, none are more than 5'10" and maybe 165 pounds..Most are less...
 
Thanks for starting this thread Rick.
I'm just now, as in today, setting up a new shop with my first blacksmith station(forge and anvil), so this thread is a godsend. I've spoken to numerous people on this and the consensus has been ... standing, with anvil face at crotch level(tune to personal preference). However, I'm interested in the sitting position/technique as my back has seen better days and anything I can do to relieve the stress is good. Moreover though, my eyesight is degenerating and I wonder if the sitting position would offer any benefit.

Stacy - From your photos it looks like you are perched on a fairly high stool which forces you into a hunched over in a rather awkward/uncomfortable position. My back would not allow that position for more than a minute! It obviously works for you though.

Thanks for all the input folks. Great info.
 
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The camera angle makes it look worse than it is. I was probably leaning farther in than normal for the photo,too.
Most jewelers and watchmakes are a bit hunched by the work we do, anyway. Sitting bent over a work bench all day for 30+ years can do that sort of thing.
 
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